Detectives are rushing against time in a bid to unravel the murder of Monica Kimani, the 28-year-old woman who was found killed in her apartment in Nairobi’s Kilimani area and her body dumped in a bathtub.
But even with this, they have to wait for the outcome of the DNA analysis which requires a minimum of 14 days.
Already, three suspects are in custody after police were granted 10 days to conclude investigations during their various appearances in court.
It is however not clear whether the crucial DNA report will be ready during the given time-frame.
The prime suspects in the murder are Joseph Irungu alias Jowie and his girlfriend Jacque Maribe. Their neighbour Brian Kassaine is another suspect in custody.
Jowie used Kassaine’s gun to shoot himself slightly below his left shoulder on the fateful night and though police are yet to establish the motive, the Investigating Officer’s affidavit shows Maribe said it was a case of attempted suicide.
A senior officer privy to the ongoing probe says collected samples are currently being subjected to forensic analysis.
This includes analysis on DNA samples extracted from Jowie and Maribe.
“The report will be crucial since we need to collaborate our earlier findings. With this, we shall have a watertight case,” the detective who spoke on condition of anonymity told Capital FM News.
Maribe’s Toyota Allion, which was used by the suspect on the night she was murdered has since been dusted as well as Kimani’s house.
What is currently happening at the Government Chemist in regards to the probe is DNA profiling and matching of physical data such as fingerprints.
“If any of the prime suspects and any other person went to the scene of crime and left their fingerprints, there are higher chances that they will be nabbed. Details of someone’s fingerprints are unique to them alone,” an officer attached to the DCI homicide unit.
While circumstantial evidence has given detectives crucial leads, multiple sources involved in the probe say it is the application of forensic science that will unravel the murder puzzle fully.
The suspect’s phones are also being subjected to forensic examination.
– Evidence so far –
Jowie, police say, was positively identified by several witnesses who said he was in the victim’s house on the fateful night.
Data retrieved from the police Integrated Command, Control and Communication (IC3) and his mobile phone show that Jowie was within the scene of the crime.
Police found a partly burnt kanzu and jacket worn by Jowie on the night Monica was murdered behind Maribe’s house in Lang’ata.
Also found were items taken from Monica’s apartment and a live 9mm bullet that was recovered in Maribe’s bedroom.
Jowie’s wound is subject to investigations after Maribe told police he attempted to commit suicide following a disagreement.
But pundits have questioned the suicide narrative arguing Jowie is reportedly a gun expert who would know where to target in such a scenario.
Detectives are yet to know how the disagreement ensued and over what.
“It of interest since it can relate to what we are probing,” a detective said.
Maribe and three others later rushed Jowie to hospital.
Jowie was initially taken to Lang’ata hospital, then Nairobi West and eventually Kijabe Mission Hospital in Kiambu County, more than 60 kilometres from the capital city.
Maribe later recorded a statement at Lang’ata Police Station where she alleged that Jowie had been shot by a three-man gang who were on a motorbike near the gate of their residence, in a sharp contradiction to what was submitted in court.
Police are now waiting for a report by ballistic experts on the ammunition that was recovered in Maribe’s house.
The probe which covers South Sudan has been extended to friends of the prime suspects.
This will include people they spoke to soon after the killing.
DNA analysis will nail Monica Kimani’s killers: NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 3 – Detectives are rushing against time in a bid to unravel the murder of Monica Kimani, the 28-year-old woman who was found kille.. https://t.co/yd9Oifk53Y
— Breaking News (@News_Kenya) October 3, 2018